Stylish looks and charismatic engines have always been Alfa Romeo trademarks, but used buyers demand more substance – especially those looking for a practical family saloon!

Don’t ignore the Italian brand, how­ever, because despite its reputation for rust-prone and unreliable cars, the firm’s newer models are well worth a look. They are far removed from the Seventies offerings that tarnished its image. The new breed represents great value used.

Admittedly, the cars still can’t match the class’s best for reliability, but if you buy sensibly, the 155, 156 and 159 are fine transport. Here, we look at all three to ensure you get an Italian supermodel rather than a Latin mule. The earliest model in our line-up is the boxy 155. It’s available only as a saloon with pet­rol engines – but its successor introduced some much needed variety.

In 1998, the original 156 saloon hit showrooms, with the stylish but impractical Sport Wagon estate following in 2000. The range includes a powerful 2.4-litre JTD diesel and Alfa’s Selespeed automated manual transmission, while performance fans will enjoy the 250bhp 3.2 GTA. The latter arrived in 2002, and covers 0-60mph in only 6.3 seconds – but prices start at £10,000.

Although the 2003 facelift diluted the 156’s looks, a new 2.0-litre petrol engine and tweaks to the diesel line-up give this version the broadest appeal second-hand. In February this year, the new 159 arrived. Its GM-derived engines lack the sparkle of their predecessors, but its improved build bodes well for the future. And don’t be put off by the dealers’ poor showings in our annual Driver Power satisfaction survey. There’s a wide choice of independent specialists, plus an active owners’ club (click on www.aroc-uk.com). Be sure to budget for insurance, though. Even a base 155 sits in group 14, so premiums are high.

Our choice: Facelifted 156
by the time it has reached two years old, a 156 will have endured the worst of its depreciation, yet it’s still young enough to look the part, too. So, a low-mileage 2.0-litre JTS or 1.9 JTD Multijet diesel version is a tempting proposition.

Whatever you choose, though, you should have an inde­pendent inspection carried out. And make sure any potential buy comes with a full service history. You can get your hands on a 54-plate Veloce example with either engine for around £9,500.

Source [Auto Express]

These images have been produced using information from Auto Express’s top French contacts, and show what to expect from two of Renault’s most exciting new cars.

Taking over from the still-popular Scenic compact MPV, the new version, shown above in red, will get an even more distinctive appearance. As well as a fresh front end that looks set to spread across the range, the next-generation people-mover will need a practicality boost if it is to keep up with its new Citroen C4 Picasso rival. The Renault will continue to be offered in both five and seven-seat forms, with plenty of new interior features to boost versatility. However, bosses at the company are confident that the current model still has plenty of life left in it. As a result, the next Scenic won’t appear for at least another two years.

Buyers wanting a trendy new city car won’t have to wait that long for the new Twingo, however. Last year’s Paris Motor Show concept model won’t change significantly as it’s prepared for the forecourts, as this image shows.

The Twingo will go on salein the UK in September, with a choice of normally aspirated or turbocharged 1.2-litre engines, plus a 1.5-litre diesel unit. Prices are expected to range from £7,000 to £9,000.

SOURCE [Auto Express]

It’s thought the firm plans to dev­elop a larger, more upmarket Mercedes SL-sized roadster alongside its Audi TT rival. And our images reveal the Z4 replacement will also be bigger than before, as BMW aims to tempt buyers away from the Porsche Boxster.

As you can see, the distinctive pro­portions of the current car remain. A long bonnet and compact cabin confirm the Z4’s classic front-engined, rear-wheel-drive set-up. Most of this proto­type’s black bodywork is designed to hide the production panels beneath. These are likely to retain the original ‘flame-sided’ Z4’s swooping curves.

What’s clear is that BMW bosses have deci­ded against a Mazda MX-5 Roadster Coupé-style folding metal roof. These pictures clearly show a new design for a fabric top which will be electrically operated. True to the firm’s “ultimate driving machine” ethos, the new model is expected to focus on behind-the-wheel thrills. The engineers have focused on minimising weight to make the most of the car’s performance and handling.

The engine range will be bolstered by the company’s latest technology, and is likely to include turbo power for the first time. We can also look forward to a range-topping M-badged version with blistering pace.

With lots of new models due to be launched ahead of the Z4’s arrival, BMW’s typically long development pro­grammes mean the newcomer will not arrive in UK showrooms any time soon. So while we are likely to see the roadster next year, it’s not expected to go on sale here until 2009.
SOURCE [Auto Express]

Volkswagen announced a technological tie-up with DaimlerChrysler at last year’s LA Motor Show to develop BlueTec oil-burning powerplants, and now the German brand has confirmed that it will put all that green know-how into production next year.

Intended to promote the merits of diesel engines in the US, BlueTec significantly reduces nitrogen oxide emissions. Variants are expected to be added to the UK line-up.

Source [Auto Express]